Today's news

LIFE WITHOUT QUOTAS: It's been eight years since Florida dumped affirmative action for college admissions. The results have been mixed. Jeb Bush, who implemented the program, and Charlie Crist, who inherited it, talk about diversity with reporter Joni James.FROM THE EDITORIAL PAGES: Some lawmakers want to remove enrollment limits on the Florida K-8 virtual school voucher system without knowing how well the program really works. It's time to slow down, the editorial board says, and evaluate this "dubious" program.

SPEAKING OF ONLINE EDUCATION: Its popularity is soaring as the catalog of course options expands, the Palm Beach Post reports.MORE ON TEACHER ABUSE CASES: The Sarasota Herald-Tribune continues its special report on what happens to teachers accused of sexually abusing or physically attacking students.TOUGH TIMES AHEAD: With changes in the state tax structure and more mandates placed upon them, teachers could find it increasingly difficult to afford to live in many parts of Florida, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

MAKE THEM HAVE DEGREES: Florida isn't getting the high-quality prekindergarten program that voters supported because the law doesn't require pre-k teachers to have college degrees, former American Bar Association president Martha Bennett writes in the Tallahassee Democrat.

A NEW APPROACH TO TALLAHASSEE: Rather than talk about the kids, Miami-Dade school officials are talking about the return on investment lawmakers would get if they give the school district more money. It's an unusual approach that's not without its risks, the Miami Herald reports.

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.